The Valsalva maneuver and response revisited

Mayo Clin Proc. 1986 Mar;61(3):211-7. doi: 10.1016/s0025-6196(12)61852-7.

Abstract

The Valsalva maneuver is a time-honored technique that is commonly used at the bedside for the evaluation of heart murmurs. It is also a valuable adjunct in the evaluation of left ventricular function and autonomic dysfunction. In this article, we describe the normal and abnormal responses to the Valsalva maneuver and provide insight into the underlying hemodynamics in conditions that provoke an abnormal response.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Blood Pressure
  • Echocardiography
  • Electrocardiography
  • Heart Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Heart Diseases / therapy
  • Heart Failure / diagnosis
  • Heart Murmurs
  • Heart Rate
  • Humans
  • Pressure
  • Stroke Volume
  • Syncope / etiology
  • Valsalva Maneuver*